In the last couple of weeks I found out about the existence of this excellent poster which lives on the wall at the Government Digital Service.

It’s basically a list of things that it is absolutely OK to do, and its function is to reassure people who might be new, visiting, or just a bit shy about how to fit in.

Following the latest Local Gov Camp in Birmingham I thought it might be a nice idea to have a version for anyone who’s new to the event next time, or for unconferences in general. It’s been observed that the regular unconference-goers tend to all be good friends, with a lot of shared history and experiences (and curry and beer), and that makes us a lively and irreverent bunch. All the feedback I’ve had so far is that it’s lovely to be in a room with people who clearly want to welcome everyone and make it a good experience, but I want to make a quick something for anyone who didn’t quite feel so confident, maybe felt a bit excluded or shy, and isn’t sure what’s ok and whats not.

So here we go. At Local Gov Camp, it’s OK to …

Sit down at a table and introduce yourself

Approach a standing group and introduce yourself

Ask who people are

Ask what people do

Ask where the toilets are

Walk to the nearest cafe for cappuccino if you don’t like instant coffee

Be first in line to pitch

Be last in line to pitch

Pitch two ideas at once

Pitch, have another idea and get back in line to pitch again

Switch sessions if it’s not working for you

Sit out a session and have coffee and talk to someone new instead

Sit out a session and have coffee by yourself and think

Call out bad behaviour

Point out mistakes

Make sure people get your name right

Did I miss anything out? Let me know, and let’s have a list ready for the next unconference!